Loading, please wait...
LOT 0293
Large Bronze Age Shield Boss
8TH CENTURY B.C.
10 1/2 in. (297 grams, 26.5 cm wide).
A hammered discoid shield raised from a single sheet, displaying a central conoid boss; two pairs of circular piercings to the perimeter. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
Cf. Overlaet, B., ‘The chronology of the Iron Age in the Pusht-I Kuh, Luristan’ in Iranica Antiqua, vol.XL, 2005, pl.13, no.14, for a recent find of a similar shield; see also Ayazi, S., Disc-Headed Bronze Pins from Luristan: A Symbol of Ancient Iran’s Past, Tübingen, 2008.
FootnotesThese kind of shields, of small dimensions, were used by infantry or horse-archers of Luristan and neighbouring cultures (Elamites, Zagros Tribesmen, like Hurrians, Lullubians, Kutians, and Kassites, Assyrians), as well as by Urartu, West-Iranian and Northern Caucasian civilisations around the Caspian Sea. The bronze boss was probably attached to a leather and wooden background.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Small piriform ceramic missile, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 437 grams, 11.1 cm
From a military inspired collection formed from the 1990s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Eastern Viking Period Iron Bearded Axe-Hammer
Circa 11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With a narrow straight bearded blade enlarged in the lower side, rounded hammer-section shank to the rear. 427 grams, 23 cm
Ex private North American collection, California, USA, 1970s-1990s.
The more commonly used weapons of the Finno-Ugrian people were axes, commonly found in all Finnic areas, as well as spears. Iron axeheads of this typology show a sub-trapezoidal asymmetrical blade. -
Medieval Iron Spur with Rowel
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising a U-shaped shank with carinated outer face, locket to each finial, ball and curved arms supporting a seven-pointed rowel. 70 grams, 13.5 cm
Private collection, UK, formed 1980s-1990s.
